Wes Ball to Direct Adaptation of THE MAZE RUNNER for Fox

20th Century Fox has tapped newcomer Wes Ball to direct an adaptation of James Dashner’s dystopian novel (aren’t they all?) The Maze Runner. Twilight helmer Catherine Hardwickewas previously attached to helm the pic, but Deadline now reports that Ball is onboard. The young adult book centers on a group of teenagers who wake up to find themselves trapped in an ever-changing maze. Screenwriter Noah Oppenheim was tapped to pen the adaptation last January, but it’s unknown if Ball’s take will necessitate a rewrite.

Fox is apparently a big fan of Ball. His animated short Ruin made waves earlier this year, and the studio hired him to develop a live-action feature film iteration of the story for him to direct. He’s working on that script with T.S. Nowlin under the supervision of producers McG and Lucasfilm’s Steve Tzirlin. Ball runs the animation/effects company Oddball Animation, but The Maze Runner will be live-action. Hit the jump to watch his impressive short and to read the full synopsis for The Maze Runner.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.